Itinerary in brief

Day 1   : ARRIVAL - BANGKOK
Day 2   : BANGKOK
Day 3   : BANGKOK - AYUTHAYA - KORAT
Day 4   : KORAT - PHITSANULOK
Day 5   : PHITSANULOK - SUKHOTHAI - LAMPANG
Day 6   : LAMPANG - PHAYAO - CHIANG SAEN
Day 7   : CHIANG SAEN - DOI MAE SALONG - CHIANG RAI
Day 8   : CHIANG RAI - THATORN - CHIANG MAI
Day 9   : CHIANG MAI
Day 10 : CHIANG MAI - DEPARTURE

Thailand has much to offer for the adventurous traveller. The ancient  capital of Sukhothai holds many delightful surprises in its extensive ruins while the northern mountainous region  is  renowned for its ethnic diversity, being home to a multitude of hilltribe people, who have migrated over the centuries from southern China. Their colourful clothing and handicrafts can been seen in the famous Night Bazaar of Chiang Mai.

Detail Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL - BANGKOK
On arrival at Don Muang Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. The glorious history of Thai Capital, Bangkok is much interwoven with the Chakri dynasty which still reigns but no longer rules Thailand. In the midst of dynamic modern growth, this bustling metropolis still preserves plenty of cultural heritages making it the national treasure house. No activities planned for this afternoon , however our guide is on hand to advise some available options. O/N in Bangkok.

DAY 2: BANGKOK
Today we commence our tour of Bangkok with a longtail boat for along the Chao Phraya River and the many lively inner canals which offer some fantastic views of the local life close up. Along the way we make stopover at Wat Arum, the temple of Dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace, dedicated to the Thai Royal Family's ceremony. Nearby is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image. After seeing this complex we drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to some of the most significant temples in Bangkok. The landmark of Wat Traimit is well known as the Golden Buddha Temple while Wat Po houses a gigantic Reclining Buddha. We visit these sights as well as the magnificent Marble Temple. O/N in Bangkok. (B,L)

DAY 3: BANGKOK - AYUTHAYA - KORAT
Heading out of the town we drive to Bang Pa In which was served as the summer palace for many Thai monarchs from the 17^th century. This structure has a captivating collection of marvelous pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles. We enjoy a boat trip to Ayuthaya, the ancient capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767 AD. This glamorous city was all but ultimately destroyed by the hands of Burmese, however it is still fascinating to explore the ruined temples. Among these is Wat Phra Sisanphet, an impressive monument that was used as the royal temple by several kings. The following sight is Wat Chai whose the constructing patterns are very interesting. We then make our way to Korat with stopover at Phimai Town to visit Prasat Hin, a magnificent Khmer sanctuary. O/N at in Korat. (B)

DAY 4: KORAT - PHITSANULOK
This morning we stroll around the groceries market before we drive to visit Sai Ngam, a big banyan tree with amazing radiating branches, and the monument of Tao Suranari Shrine, commemorating Khun Ying Mo, who saved the city from an invasion of the Laos army during the reign of King Rama III. We follow this with a trip to Phnom Rung, which is the finest Khmer Temple in Thailand and gives us a view of the sample of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Close to this site is Muong Tam, another impressive Khmer Temple predating Phnom Rung by around 120 years. After seeing this sight we continue our northbound journey to Phitsanulok, our final destination. O/N in Phitsanulok. (B)

DAY 5: PHITSANULOK - SUKHOTHAI - LAMPANG
The major landmarks of Phitsanulok are Wat Maha That and Phra Budda Jinaraj. We visit these sights before we board our vehicle for a short drive to Sukhothai. This famous cultural town was once the royal capital of the Thailand Kingdom, however has left its legacies in the forms of many ruined temples and palaces. We include these in a half day tour which will give us a deep insight into the glorious past of Sukhothai. The next stop of our trip is Si Satchanalai where various ancient monuments are still standing. After seeing this complex we drive to Lampang. On arrival we have time to enjoy a short tour of the old city on horse carriage and also visit Ban Sao Nat as well as Wat Chedi Sao. O/N in Lampang. (B)

DAY 6: LAMPANG - PHAYAO - CHIANG SAEN
An early morning start to drive through the rolling countryside to the rural town of Phayao, home to Wat Si Kom Kan. After a visit to this temple we travel by roads to Chiang Saen. This town is our base for exploring the Golden Triangle in which powerful warlords have fought for control the opium trade. On arrival we embark on a longtail speed boat for a thrilling trip on the Mekong River. The boats reach speeds of 50 - 60 km per hour sometimes when racing across the water towards the confluence of Ruak and Mekong Rivers. This famous point is an area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet. There is possible to cross the border at Thachilek into Burma. This optional activity is not included, however our guide is on hand to advise your available options. O/N in Chiang Saen. (B)

DAY 7: CHIANG SAEN - DOI MAE SALONG - CHIANG RAI
The royal capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Saen is nestled on the Mekong riverbank which is the border between Thailand and Laos. After breakfast we have time seeing the town's major sights, containing Wat Phrathat Jom Kitti, Wat Chedi Luang and a nearby museum. Today we travel by roads through the bustling trading outpost of Mae Sai to Doi Mae Salong. This mountainous area is populated by a wide array of ethnic minority groups such as Akha, Yao, Lisu and Chinese. They are very poor but have an interesting culture and a colourful history. O/N in Chiang Rai. (B)

DAY 8: CHIANG RAI - THATORN - CHIANG MAI
Upon leaving Chiang Rai we embark on a longtail boat for a journey up the Mae Kok River to the sleepy town of Thatorn. No matter how long it will take us, it is still a memorable experience as we pass by the breathtaking jungle scenery, many tiny villages and bamboo huts. Along the way we stop to explore the riverside village of the Lahu hilltribe people and the village of Ban Pha Tai. After the exciting river trip we travel by road through the verdant and rugged mountain landscape to Chiang Mai, stopping en route at Mae Saa Valley to visit an orchid farm and the Mae Saa Waterfall. O/N in Chiang Mai. (B)

DAY 9: CHIANG MAI
The second largest city of Thailand is Chiang Mai. Today we explore this charming town with a walk to the famous Doi Suthep Mountain, leading us to Wat Prathat Temple near the summit. At an elevation of over 1,000 meters, this temple grounds afford a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. We follow this with a visit to the old and new parts of the town featuring the great diversity. The "Rose of the North", Chiang Mai has been always noted for exquisite handicrafts whose the combination with the traditional wares of the hill tribe people offers fantastic shopping opportunities. Heading out of town we drive to the neighbouring villages of Sankampaeng and Borsarng to see the various cottages industries including silk weaving, wood carving, silver ware and umbrellas making. O/N in Chiang Mai. (B)

DAY 10: CHIANG MAI - DEPARTURE
There is a free time for your own exploration of the town and catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after transfer to airport for departure. (B)

HOTELS USED ON THIS TRIP CITY/ AREA Standard Class First Class Superior  Class  Bangkok Eastin Bangkok hotel or similar one Novotel Lotus hotel or similar one The Montien hotel or similar one Korat Sima Thani hotel Phisanulok Amari Lagoon hotel Chiang Saen C.S River Hill  hotel Chiang Mai Porn Ping Tower hotel or similar one Surwongse  hotel or similar one Royal Princess hotel or similar one Chiang Rai Inn Come hotel or similar one Wang Come hotel or similar one Rim Kok hotel or similar one HOTEL NOTES The deluxe class tour based on higher hotel category will be arranged upon request.